Major Artists Lobby For Live Nation Ticketmaster Merger But Don't Disclose Azoff Connection

Unlike Bruce Springsteen and the many musicians who oppose the merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, at least four high profile artists have written letters to Congress expressing their strong support. But in each case, the artist, as well as Ticketmaster and Live Nation, failed to reveal their connection to one of the key players in the deal.

Eddie Van Halen, Seal, Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins and the four members of the band Journey have signed individual letters supporting the merger. Each is managed or co-managed by Ticketmaster CEO Irving Azoff and his Front Line Management. Azoff is also slated to hold one of the top three positions in the new merged company.

The letters were presented during a recent hearing before a sub-committee of the U.S. House Of Representatives after Democratic Rep. Brad Sherman, who represents Azoff's Los Angeles district, asked if anyone had letters to present regarding the merger. Each of the four letters includes the artist's path to a career in music, how grateful they are for their successes, an acknowledgment of how the industry has shifted towards a direct artist-to-fan relationship and their belief that a Live Nation Ticketmaster merger can better foster that connection.

The movement by King Azoff and his subjects for total control and monopoly of the North American concert industry is underway. Every venue - Every Ticket.
Not good news for concert goers and new upcoming artists.Can he pull off this "smoke and mirrors" with congress?
Has the time come for "LIVE and LOUD" direct to-fan online concerts broadcast in 5-1 sound.
Why can't I experience Coachella "LIVE" from the comfort of my own home on my 5-1 system for a few bucks online?
Let me Twitter my comments and requests live online to the performers. 40,000 attending - 4 million watching.